Here is an ideal Dianthus for adding color to a rock garden or used as edging. The photos of Dianthusanatolicus seem to be conflicted, but it is generally considered to be white to pale pink, with a darker, contrasting eye and scalloped petals. This clump-forming Dianthus, native from Turkey to Tibet, prefers well-draining soil (partial to soil on the dry side) and as much sun as you can muster. Given what it requires, Dianthus anatolicus will provide all the color you could want in July and August. As is typical of the species, the foliage is also an asset - blue-green and needlelike. Dianthus anatolicus grows from six to 12 inches in Zones 6-10. Quarts.

Dianthus armeria(Deptford Pink)

$

6.00

Dianthus armeria, also known as Deptford Pink, is one of my favorite wildflowers. Deptford Pinks, an annual or biennial (the consensus seems to be conflicted), are uncommonly beautiful. The bright pink, star-shaped flowers grow in clusters, and if you examine them closely, each dainty pink blossom is dappled with white. Although Deptford Pinks grow in practically every state, they are not native. They are native to England and Europe and named “Deptford” for the town (now part of London) where they once grew in abundance. I don’t know when or how they arrived in this country, but I am glad they did, and I feel certain it would be a most romantic tale. Deptford Pinks grow between one and two feet tall in full sun/partial shade. When I was doing a little research on this wildflower, I was bothered by the fact that Deptford Pinks are considered a "weed" by some. I couldn't disagree more - read my Blog about "invasives." I am uncertain about the hardiness zones for Deptford Pinks, but since they grow in all states (except Texas and maybe one other), I would say most any zone would do.

Dianthus barbatus(Sweet William)

$

7.00

Ah, Sweet William. No one is quite certain who the William was that this lovely, scented "pink" is named for, but this plant has been known in England since at least 1573. I remember it in my grandmother's garden, and whenever I smell its spicy perfume, I am transported there. Although Dianthus barbatus considered a biennial or short-lived perennial (it will reseed, however), it is worth having in your garden in every way: the splash of color it adds to borders, the clove scent, the wide array of colors it comes in, the ease in growing, and the cut flowers it provides. Dianthus barbatus grows to about 12 inches in full sun. Zones 5-9. Quarts.

Dianthus deltoides(Maiden Pinks)

$

7.00

Dianthus deltoides is called the Maiden Pink because each stem carries only one flower, but don't let that fool you. It is a vigorous and free-flowering "pink," and I can almost guarantee that you will fall it love with its multitude of tiny, but vibrantly colored, blooms. It is mat-forming, which makes it ideal for slopes, and it is low growing (6 to 8 inches), which makes it also suited for the rock garden, border, or as a ground cover. It is good for a second flush of blooms if given a good haircut after its initial bloom. It is one Dianthus that is said to thrive in shade. It also freely reseeds and will naturalize. What more could you ask for?

Dianthus gratinopolitanus "Sternkissen"(Cheddar Pink)

$

8.00

Not a great photo for such a lovely little "Pink," but I hope some of its attributes are evident: solitary, toothed, and clove-scented (I doubt that part is evident) blooms that contrast perfectly to the neat and compact (under six inches) blue/gray foliage. This one is ideal for the rock garden, edging, or even under foot. I think this may be the best one of all. This long-blooming European native will spread from one to three feet, making a most attractive eye-catcher for you and the butterflies. Full sun and dry to medium moist soil in Zones 3-8. Quarts.

Dianthus knappii "Yellow Harmony"(Yellow Dianthus)

$

8.00

Dianthus knappii, native to Yugoslavia, is quite different from what we usually think of when it comes to Dianthus, or "Pinks." The notched petals of this Dianthus are not pink at all, but a soft, buttery yellow, which is reason enough to grow it. Dianthus knappii "Yellow Harmony" also differs in that it has a more upright growing habit, rather than prostrate, and grows to about 10 inches. This Dianthus is a nice surprise tucked here and there in the garden, and when visitors ask you what that little yellow flower is, you just tell them "it's a 'pink,' of course." "Yellow Harmony" prefers dry soil and sun. Give it a good shearing after blooming for a tidier appearance and a repeat bloom. Zones 3-9. Quarts.

Dianthus myrtinervius(Albanian Pinks)

$

7.00

Even without the blooms, I am smitten with the foliage of Dianthus myrtinervius: densely matted, deep reddish green, and low growing. Dianthus myrtinervius, native to the Balkins, grows to about eight inches (sources said three, but I beg to differ), so be sure to plant it where it will not be overwhelmed by taller plants. It is covered in striking dark rose pink, solitary blooms on short stems in summer and is ideal for the rock garden, alpine garden, and even a container where it appreciates full sun and well-drained soil. It is also a bee and butterfly magnet. Zones 4-8. Quarts.

Dianthus petraeus

$

7.00

Dianthus petraeus is a mat-forming Dianthus that is perfect for the rock garden where its single white (sometimes pink), 1/2-inch flowers will enchant all who see them. Dianthus petraeus grows to about 8 inches in sun/partial shade. This is one of the most endearing Dianthus varieties I grow, and that's saying a lot, considering how unique and beautiful each one is.

Dianthus plumarius "Rose de Mai"(Cottage Pink)

$

8.00

I fell in love with this beautiful double, shell-pink Dianthus last year, bought one, and have been propagating it from cuttings. Purportedly, Thomas Jefferson grew this particular Dianthus, but I wouldn't swear to it, but there's no reason why he shouldn't have. It has beautiful blue/gray foliage that forms a dense mat, and the color is heavenly, as is the scent - a full clove scent. It is also long lived and easy to grow. It will re-bloom if given a good "haircut" after the first bloom, too. Be sure to cut it back again in the fall so it won't be so ragged when spring rolls around again. Full sun, well-drained soil, in Zones 3-11.

Dianthus plumarius "Spring Beauty)(Cottage Pinks)

$

7.00

The fringed, double and semi-double Dianthus plumarius, with blue-gray, grass-like foliage is a spring beauty indeed. Dianthus plumarius comes in an array of colors ranging from red, through pink, to white, and often with contrasting "eyes." "Spring Beauty" grows in sun to about 10 inches and is ideal for the rock garden, rock walls, and for edging. If I had to choose between the flowers and the foliage of Dianthus, it would be a toss-up, but if threw the scent into the mix, that would win hands down. These also benefit from an occasional haircut after blooming for a tidier appearance and a second flush of blooms. Zones 4-8. Quarts.